b'CHICAGOTHEAMERICANIRELANDFUNDAROUND THE WORLD 1 2 3Ireland:CrossroadsofArtandDesign1Minister Jimmy Deenihan,MARCH, 2015The Art Institute of Chicagos Department of European and Decorative Arts hosted the opening gala for Maedhbh Cronin & Consulthe new exhibition, Ireland: Crossroads of Art and Design, 1690-1840.The American Ireland Fund was a patron sponsor General Aidan Cronin2John and Jim OBrien of the exhibit. Several American Ireland Fund Regional Advisory Board members and supporters were in attendance at 3Ireland: Crossroads of Art andthis very special celebration of Ireland. The exhibition was a truly unique celebration of the Irish as artists, collectors and Design, 1690-1840 patrons. The Gala was hosted by John & Patricia OBrien and R.J. OBrien and Associates, LLC.In addition to having a first glimpse at the exhibition, guests enjoyed an elegant dinner in Griffin Court in the museums Modern Wing. Special guests included Irish Minister for the Diaspora Jimmy Deenihan and Irelands Consul General Aidan Cronin.1 2CelebratingaCenturyofIrishArtsandCulture1Musicians Liz Knowles andJUNE, 2015The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts introduced their upcoming festival, Celebrating a Denis Cahill Century of Irish Arts and Culture, to the Chicago community with a special reception attended by Aidan Cronin, Irelands 2The John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts inConsul General. The festival, which will take place May 16-June 5, 2016 in Washington, D.C., will include performances of Washington, DC theater, dance, music, literature, and film by prominent Irish and Irish American artists as part of the global commemo-ration of the centenary of the Proclamation of 1916. The Kennedy Centers festival will be the hallmark initiative of the celebratory activities abroad. The American Ireland Fund is proud to be a major sponsor of this event. connect2015 | 85'